Scottsdale, AZ – July, 2017
Difficult Paths.
Difficult paths
often lead to
beautiful destinations.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
On a recent trip to Arizona, I loved snapping shots of the beautiful desert scenery. Little did I know how sharp and painful beautiful cactus plants are when you rub up against them too close………. In Steve Erkel voice….. “Did I do that????” Yep! Yep I did!
Pink Flowering Cactus Watercolor – Beauty in the Desert – 5×7 140lb Arches Cold Press
On our recent trip to Arizona, I was really blown away by the beauty in the desert.
I’ve heard some say it is brown and dry and “ugly.” I disagree.
Though it is so very different from the lush green that people who live in the Eastern U.S. are accustomed to, there is so much beauty in the foliage and the terrain.
Many of the cacti were blooming when we were there, and I was so drawn to the pink flowering ones.
Here is my version of Beauty in the Desert – a pink flowering cactus.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
#WorldWatercolorMonth
Paints used: Rembrandt Quinacridone Rose, Daniel Smith Quinacridone Gold, Olive Green, and Perylene Green.
Full Moon over Scottsdale, Arizona – July, 2017
The Magic of Moonlight.
The full moon’s smoldering glow
illuminates the evening desert sky
Peeking and hiding amidst billowy clouds
in shades of creamy coral and milky opal.
Palm trees elegantly pirouette
with delicate fronds fluttering fluidly
While the wind whispers a soft lullaby
in hushed tones of serene tranquility.
Good night sweet summer day…
sleep peacefully in contented slumber.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Last week, Hubby and I had the great privilege of traveling approximately 2,000 miles across the U.S. to visit a beautiful area of our country far different from the area we live in – the desert Southwest of Scottsdale and Sedona, Arizona.
A highlight of our trip was sightseeing the beautiful Red Rock Mountains of Sedona. I took quite a few pics, but haven’t had much time to look at yet since we’ve just returned. Here is one I really like, but even it doesn’t compare to the enormity, the vastness, and the beauty of experiencing this beautiful corner of the world in person.
The rocks in Sedona are a deep, rich, orange-red like no others around. Apparently, they are comprised of sediment layers deposited over many millions of years*. The shale foundation is the remainder of ancient swamp lands. Other layers are the remainder of an ancient beachfront, known as the “Schnebly Hill Formation,” that deposited iron about 275 million years ago. The Coconino sandstone layer was formed at a time when Sahara-like dunes covered the majority of the Western US. The Kaibab limestone layer was deposited when a warm shallow sea covered the area about 250 million years ago.
The Red Rocks we see today were formed several million years ago when the uplifting of the Colorado Plateau that created the Grand Canyon also caused water to carve out Sedona’s red rock, cake-like layers. Currently, Sedona is considered to be a part of the Colorado Plateau and is in the process of making mountains, raising an average of one inch every 60-80 years!
The temperatures during our one-week visit ranged between a low of 102 to a high of 117 degrees Fahrenheit! Whoooowheee it was hot! It was a different kind of hot than we are used to in the Eastern part of the U.S., however, as the humidity levels were only around 10% as compared to our typical 50-100%, so it was much more pleasant. (Especially when in the pool with a frozen margarita!)
This is a place in the U.S. that anyone who can, should experience!
Thanks for the memories Sedona!
I look forward to creating some paintings from your beautiful inspiration!
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
P.S. Thanks Jayme and Ryan for being our gracious tour guides! ❤
the creative life in between 